Laws and Claims Related to LGBT Discrimination
California law provides broad protection for LGBTQ+ individuals. The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits discrimination in jobs and housing. The Unruh Civil Rights Act protects against unequal treatment in businesses and public places. The Ralph Act allows civil claims for harassment or violence motivated by bias, and the Bane Act applies if someone interferes with your rights through threats, coercion, or intimidation. On top of these protections, Los Angeles enforces a local ordinance that mirrors and expands state law to strengthen protections within the city.
Discrimination can take many forms. Some people reach out to our attorneys after being denied promotions or pushed out of jobs. Repeated misgendering or invasive demands for “proof” of gender identity can also create a hostile environment that interferes with daily life.
Many of these claims must go through the California Civil Rights Department before moving forward in court. Filing deadlines are strict: three years for most employment cases and as little as six months for claims against government entities. If those deadlines are missed, the case may end before it even begins. That is why early action is so important.
Our LGBTQ discrimination lawyer in Los Angeles could help organize the timeline, gather evidence such as emails or text records, and ensure that all filings are completed on time. Resolutions vary. They might include recovering lost wages, attorney’s fees, or damages for emotional harm. Some outcomes also include policy changes or civil penalties. In cases that involve harassment or violence, there may be both civil remedies and criminal charges at stake. Having counsel means you do not have to manage these complicated steps on your own.
Schedule A Free Consultation